Tech Notes

Million-Way Analysis (Any Data on Any Chart)

With InfinityQS software, any data in the database can be combined and/or compared on any chart. Combine any combination of parts, processes and test all on the same chart. We call this "million-way analysis." InfinityQS' unique method of storing and retrieving data from its fully-relational database provides for limitless queries, real-time combinations of any data and over 300 types of charts. We are not talking about some third party analysis tool. All this functionality is written by us right into InfinityQS™. Don't worry if you started your data collection strategy down one path and find out after several subgroups that you need to make a change - every setting in the data entry configuration can be edited on a go-forward basis. InfinityQS SPC software can evolve at the speed of your thoughts.

Process Control AND Part Control - Using the Same Data

When using conventional-logic SPC software, the user must make the choice between process control or part control because data stored for process control requires a different type of collection strategy than part control data. But with InfinityQS SPC, you can display all data from a process across multiple parts or display data specific to a single part. What makes this functionality amazing is that both ways of analysis and display are managed using the same data. Switching between part control and process control requires only a simple right mouse click.

Simple Data Selection Query Tool

Data to be displayed on a chart is specified using our simple Data Selection Wizard. All it takes is a right mouse click. You select the part(s), process(es) and test characteristic(s) to be displayed and then filter against any user-definable tag field such as date, shift, supplier and production run. In fact, you can assign an unlimited number of tag fields to each plot point. Any time you want to change data that is displayed, just change the chart's data selection.

Fully Relational Database Structure

Any SPC software worth investigating stores its data to a relational database as opposed to files. However, what makes InfinityQSdifferent is how the program makes full use of the nature of a relational database. The InfinityQS database structure is highly normalized. In other words, when you create a test characteristic called "Outside Diameter," you only key the test name in once. That same outside diameter database item can then be mapped to all other parts in the database requiring an outside diameter measurement. With InfinityQS, all database items are entered once and then referenced over and over again where needed. Other SPC software claiming to use a relational database still maintain old file-based logic. We study our competition and we know this to be true. There is a simple test to determine if an SPC software uses out-moded file logic: Add a part with a test characteristic called Outside Diameter, now add another part with a test characteristic called Outside Diameter. If you were required to physically type the words "outside diameter" for the second part (as opposed to selecting Outside Diameter from a drop down list) the software is storing data for each part to a separate location in the database - the same as if separate files contained the data from different parts. This method is very inefficient. Million-way analysis is impossible in file-base logic software. You should avoid any software whose database is not fully relational.

Multiple Data Normalization Methods

Its one thing to be able to display any data on any chart, its quite another to combine and compare dissimilar data entered at different times from different work stations - all on the same chart. The trick is to normalize the data so they all can share the same scale. The normalization techniques used byInfinityQS SPC are the same ones pioneered by the father of short run SPC, Davis Bothe of International Quality Institute.

If you want to chart all outside diameters created on a particular machine, regardless of feature size, no problem. If you want to display on a single box plot all the key characteristics from a particular part, regardless of feature type, size or unit of measure, no problem. InfinityQS supports an unbelievable number of normalization techniques and processing options.

Highly Efficient Data Storage

Unlike the other SPC software products, InfinityQS SPC stores each data value in an efficient table structure and relates each of those data values to its respective Part, Process, Test, Sample Time, and Descriptors using a highly efficient database normalization technique. Those data values are also linked with their respective specification and control limits, alarm rules and other elements. Everything is fully relational. This method of storing data is the secret behind InfinityQS' powerful comparative analysis engine. Since everything is in one place, queries across multiple parts, processes and test characteristics are a snap. Any data can be selected for analysis using any combination of the related data fields.

InfinityQS offers Quality Intelligence and quality control solutions that help manufacturers reduce scrap, comply with regulations and standards, and meet customer requirements. Developed by industrial statisticians using proven methodologies for quality analysis and control, InfinityQS solutions are saving leading manufacturers millions of dollars each year.

Statistical Process Control (SPC) is an industry-standard methodology for measuring and controlling quality during the manufacturing process. InfinityQS software automates SPC, eliminating human error and the need for paper records. SPC identifies when processes are out of control due to assignable cause variation (variation caused by special circumstances—not inherent to the process).